Photo gallery: Greg Abbott through the years

The Texas politician with the most at stake today as we await Gov. Rick Perry’s “exciting” announcement about his “future” is … Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Abbott has patiently waited for the longest-serving Texas governor to move on. He has slowly worked his way up the political ladder and has amassed $18 million for his next political run.

We may find out what office he will seek very soon. Here is a photo gallery collected by Texas on the Potomac’s Sarah Ferris of Abbott through the years, from Duncanville track star to chief law enforcement officer of the Lone Star State.

Abbott in primary school in Duncanville, Texas. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott poses for a Little League portrait. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott, first row, second from left, stands with Boy Scout Troop 201 in Longview, Texas. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott, right, runs with the Duncanville High School track and field team. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott runs a relay race at a Duncanville High School competition. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott wears a back brace at a Houston rehabilitation center after he was paralyzed by a falling tree while jogging in 1984. Photo provided to the Texas Tribune by the Abbott campaign.

Abbott, second from left, sits with fellow Texas Supreme Court justices in May 2001. Photo by Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune

Attorney general candidates Abbott and former Austin mayor Kirk Watson debate in October 2002. Photo by Bob Daemmrich/The Texas Tribune